Vasiliy Lomachenko Announces Return at 130, Targets O'Shaquie Foster

Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming back. The Ukrainian legend appeared on the DAZN broadcast from San Antonio on Saturday night and confirmed he is ending his retirement to return to boxing at super featherweight, per Bad Left Hook. Lomachenko said he plans to fight in 2027 and is targeting newly unified champion O'Shaquie Foster.

Foster had just finished unifying three titles at 130 pounds with a dominant decision over Emanuel Navarrete when Lomachenko made his announcement. A Lomachenko challenge would instantly become one of the biggest fights available in the sport.

Lomachenko, 38, retired in June 2025 after a career that included two Olympic gold medals, world titles in three weight classes and a professional record that places him alongside the sport's all-time greats. His last fight was a stoppage victory over George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024 that earned him the IBF lightweight title. He cited a lack of motivation for stepping away, per Boxing News Online.

Reports of a comeback surfaced as early as May 2026 when Ring Magazine's Mike Coppinger reported Lomachenko was "coming out of retirement and targeting a return in fall of this year," per Boxing News Online. A bout against WBO mandatory challenger Charly Suarez was discussed as a possible first fight back, with the goal of positioning Lomachenko for a shot at the 130-pound titles.

Saturday night's announcement on DAZN made it official. Lomachenko now has a clear target in Foster, who holds the WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts. Whether the fight materializes depends on Foster's timeline. The Houston champion may pursue the WBA belt first to become undisputed before entertaining a Lomachenko challenge.